Udyog Vihar Industries association (UVIA) is the oldest association working in Udyog Vihar Industrial area of Gurgaon. It is currently working with 400 members and looks after a wide spectrum of industries extending from auto components, textiles and apparels, to software and IT companies. We talked to Animesh Saxena, president of UVIA, who takes up various issues of entrepreneurs with relevant government agencies and helps them in resolving those issues.

Question (Q): Udyog
Vihar Industries Association (UVIA) have
been working for the benefits of the various industrial setups in
Gurgaon for a long time. What are your achievements in the field?

Animesh
Saxena (AS): We are the
oldest association representing approximate 300 industrial units of
Udyog Vihar, specially in SME`s. We have taken up all issues related
to welfare of industry with all concerned government agencies- be it
Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development
Corporation (HSIIDC), MCG, Labour,
PF and ESI etc. We have conducted joint work shops with these
departments to facilitate the approvals processes.

In
Focus

We
challenged the unreasonable demand of EDC (External Development
Charges) raised by HSIIIDC and got it withdrawn from High Court. This
was a major relief. We approached Government and MCG for
rationalization of Property taxes for Industrial units. We also
persuaded MCG to start providing civic services in Udyog Vihar to
reduce maintenance expenses charged by HSIIDC. We got Pollution
Control Board to organize camps to issue NOC's without hassles.

Q: Gurgaon
has multiple civic bodies (HUDA, MCG etc) – a reason often cited
for the ill development of the infrastructure. Also, it creates
confusion in the citizens’ mind. Similarly, in the recent past, we
have seen emergence of various industrial associations in the city.
Infact the city now has approximately seven such associations.
Doesn't it harm the common goal where a unified approach is required?
Also, a new entrepreneur who is entering the city – how will he
make up his mind about which outfit to join?

AS:
Industrial area has expanded so much in last few years that it
has become difficult for a single Industrial Association to cater to
the requirement of industries. Further, there are lot of local issues
which an Industrialist face in a day to day working, which requires a
local Industrial Association to handle it better. For common issues
and big matters we always come under joint forum of all Associations
to take it with Government Authorities.

Q: The development
of the city of Gurgaon has been a dream story for many states. The
growth has come depending on not only the Blue Chip Multinational
companies, but also on the various big and small scale manufacturing
setups. But in recent days, we do not see much of new companies
aspiring to set up businesses in Gurgaon. We see many companies
preferring adjoining states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, etc. over
Gurgaon. Are we losing the competitive edge gradually? If yes, why?

AS:
The cost of land has gone up so high in and around Gurgaon that it
has become commercially unviable to put up a new unit/expansion or
run an existing unit. Further, labour availability has also gone down
in Gurgaon due to high cost of living. State Government policies are
also not giving any special benefits to SME's . Of late, labour
unrest incidents have also started in Gurgaon which is hurting the
image of the city.

Q: There is a huge
development of real estate projects happening around Manesar and New
Gurgaon area. These projects only become successful when we have more
industries thriving in Manesar. But then, the growth of Manesar has
always been an incomplete story. The region never really developed
the way it was projected to. What exactly is the problem with
Manesar?

AS:
The biggest problem faced in Manesar is labour availability and
commuting of staff. There was no provision made to provide affordable
workers housing, which is mandatory for success of any industrial
area, which is far from city. Further, no proper public transport was
planned for staff commuting. Highways were in bad condition and jams
were frequent. Toll was another problem. All these factors created a
bad image of Manesar. Further HSIIDC slapped huge demand of
Enhancement of all Plots, which has created a big financial burden on
the units.

Q:
A
stiff competition from Bhiwadi - is it a hindrance of growth of SME
sectors in Gurgaon?

AS:
NO we don`t think so.

Q:
Had
the Central Government policies been conducive to the growth of small
manufacturing setups in Gurgaon? What had always been the pressing
issues? What will be your expectations from the Government post
election?

AS:
Central or State Government never came out with any special treatment
for SME's. All the laws, regulations, taxes are the same for them as
any Big size units. SME's contribute to 65percent of National GDP but
unfortunately Government has never given any special treatment to
them. We expect the new Government to recognize the contribution made
by this sector. This sector can provide jobs to millions of youth and
also create opportunity for new entrepreneurs if treated better in
terms liberal Laws and Tax regime.

Q: How do you see
the role of the state government toward the growth of SMEs in
Gurgaon?

AS: Not very
encouraging.

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